Diet & Nutrition

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Overview

Maintenance of general good health is very important for people with any chronic disorder. A well-balanced and planned diet will help achieve this goal. MS specialists recommend that people with MS adhere to the same low-fat, high-fiber diet that is recommended for the general population.

The challenge with special diets

Different diets have been proposed as treatments, or even cures, for the signs and symptoms of MS. Evidence of effectiveness is limited. There is some evidence that a diet low in saturated fats and supplemented by Omega 3 (from fatty fishes, cod-liver oil, or flaxseed oil) and Omega 6 (fatty acids from sunflower or safflower seed oil and possibly evening primrose oil) may have some benefit for people with MS. Most of the diets that have been touted as helping people with MS have not been subjected to rigorous, controlled studies. The few that have been evaluated have produced mixed results. Most claims made for dietary treatments are based on personal accounts. The reported benefits may have been spontaneous changes that would have happened without any treatment. A recent research review paper by Pavan Bhargava, MD, provides information and current evidence for each of the most popular diets.

Some diets may be harmful — others are fine

Some special diets may be harmful because they include potentially toxic amounts of certain vitamins, or exclude important nutrients. Others conform to the low-fat, high-fiber diet recommendations of the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society. It's important to consult with your healthcare professional before starting any diet that includes nutritional supplements or vitamins.

Nutrition Resources

Find a Dietician/Nutritionist

Find Food Assistance

Feeding America – Nationwide network of food banks. Also offers information & links to help consumers determine their eligibility for federal food assistance such as SNAP and the National School Lunch Program.